John makes a splash with charity fundraiser

Ally McGilvray • Published 7 May 2010 13:58 Comments 1 Comment

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HE has overcome years of ignorance and changed public perception of an often misunderstood condition. But now he faces a new challenge.

John Davidson, 39, who was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome as a teenager, has agreed to take part in a two-day 80-mile canoe trip down the River Tweed from his home town in Galashiels to Berwick this summer.

He featured in a BBC documentary about Tourettes in 1988. At that time, few people had even heard of Tourettes Syndrome, let alone knew anything about the neurological condition which, at its worst, causes violent body movements and outbursts of swearing.

However, it is hoped the charity challenge, unveiled this week, will raise awareness of Tourette's, which affects one in 100 people in the UK, as well as raise money for national agency Tourette's Scotland, which provides information, advice and support for children and adults with the condition.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph following his first training session with the Tweed Canoe Club at the swimming pool in Galashiels, John, who revealed his friend Paul Stevenson dreamt up the idea at a meeting of a voluntary support group he helped set up for people affected by Tourette's, said: "I'm looking forward to the whole thing.

"The whole point of doing it is to show inspiration and to give young kids and other adults who have maybe just recently been diagnosed to show them that just because they have got Tourettes and that other people, through their ignorance may see them as different, that they are just the same as everybody else and to give them the confidence to go out and do something like this.

"In the beginning I was like: 'Are you off your head?' But after thinking about it I thought: 'You know, it is possible'."

He added: "I didn't set out to famous for walking down the street, shouting and swearing and jumping about and behaving like what some people perceive as a creep or a weirdo or whatever. But I've taken advantage of the interest in me to put a positive outlook on the condition."

Five adult members of the adult support agency known as Tourette Scotland, all of whom have Tourette Syndrome, are taking part in the charity challenge on July 17 and 18. Paul Stevenson, Stuart Colquhoun and John Davidson, all of whom live in the Borders, will be ably supported by Roddy Gladstone and Murray Gladstone. Their target is to raise £5000.

John said: "It's a lot of paddling. Even in the pool tonight it has been difficult." But he added: "I think with practice we will get there. It's a challenge but we've put the emergency services on standby."

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that becomes evident in childhood and continues for life. The prime symptom is to have repeated tics, which are motor (bodily movement) and vocal.

A tic is a sudden movement or sound that is repeated over and over, has no purpose and, in general, you cannot help doing. For example, blinking, throat clearing, head nodding etc. However, children with Tourette Syndrome have many types of tics, or sudden movements and noises, and the tics can be prevalent throughout their life, although they can wax and wane.

This leads to exclusion, loneliness, and often a life dogged by prejudice and misunderstandings.

Paul, a former door steward from Berwick, was only diagnosed with the condition following the death of a close friend last year. And he believes many more people have gone undiagnosed. He said: "I thought I was going mad. I got body spasms, I was swearing, shouting and coming out with gobbeldegook. I rung up Tourettes Scotland and they reassured me that I was not going mad and now I just want to give something back.

"Before I was diagnosed I thought I was suffering from a mental illness and I was quite desperate for my life sometimes but the way I'm thinking is if we can find someone else that is feeling like that then we could save a life."

The funds raised by the canoe trip will go towards supporting those families living with Tourette Syndrome in the Borders of Scotland/England.

Dot Achenbach of the Borders Group said: "With the funds raised, the Borders Support Group will be able to support some 50 families, with mentoring, respite, outings, support and advice. We will be able to offer awareness training in schools, colleges and employment; a vital step in giving our children a good grounding for their futures. We will give our families a break from their daily lives through the provision of holidays and events.

"It is often difficult for our families to either afford or be welcome at holiday centres, and the funds can ensure that they can choose a safe, secure and comfortable place to relax and enjoy a holiday just as others do."

To sponsor John and the team from Tourette's Scotland, log on to their web page - www.justgiving.com/tweedcanoetrip

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Kenny Telfer
Unregistered User
Jun 2, 16:36
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I met Paul paddling down the tweed the other day. As I passed him in my open canoe he told me about the efforts to raise some cash towards this worthy charity. I wish the team all the best and I hope you succeed in raising awareness and cash. I may see you at the tail end as part of the welcoming committee!!

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